Labour MEPs victory on "fracking"

Arlene McCarthy

"We should make sure that strict regulation is in place before - and not after - shale gas development starts," said Local Labour Euro MP, Arlene McCarthy following a vote in the European Parliament's Environment Committee.

"In the USA, they went ahead without first making sure "fracking" would be safe. It is important that we ensure there are robust rules to protect health and the environment before we start fracking. We have already seen it cause a minor earthquake in Lancashire in our region.

"Any shale gas company which is looking to operate in the EU needs to know that they will have to meet the highest environmental standards.

"Fracking must be banned in sensitive areas, and all fracking should be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment. This is the only way that we can guarantee proper public participation in planning decisions made by local authorities.

"The industry should be forced to use the best available technologies - such as methane capture.

"We hope that the British Government will take our recommendations on board as they decide whether or not to give fracking in Lancashire the green light," concluded Arlene.